African Indigenous Languages and the Millennium Development Goals in South Africa

Bibliographic Data

ID5223529
AuthorsH O Kaya (0000-0002-8775-7078, DST-NRF Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; National Heritage Council , South Africa), G M Nkondo (DST-NRF Centre in Indigenous Knowledge Systems, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; National Heritage Council , South Africa)
Year2016
Volume53
Issue2
Pages176-184
Publication date2016-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Human Ecology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0970-9274 • E-ISSN: 2456-6608
PublisherKamla Raj Enterprises (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1080/09709274.2016.11906970
OpenAlexW2770726517
LanguageEN
References cited5

The paper is based on the examination of secondary sources with regard to the role of African indigenous languages in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. It is argued that the role of these indigenous languages has been marginalized in the implementation of the MDGs. They are important communication tools which enrich social interaction. The following recommendations, among others, are made: (i) emphasis on the role of ICT in mobilizing African indigenous language tools such as idioms, adages, proverbs, witty expressions and figures of speech for the actualization of the MDGs (ii) Strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors to ensure equitable access to and relevance and quality of ICT for all sections of society, and, (iii) The need to develop and provide materials and software in local languages to foster participation and inclusion of minorities

Developing country · Economic growth · Indigenous · Indigenous language · Information and Communications Technology · Languages of Africa · Linguistics · Millennium Development Goals · Political science · Social science · Sociology · Language, Discourse, Communication Strategies · Multilingual Education and Policy

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